This study aimed to develop a set of indicators that could be used to measure and monitor the self-management performance for chronic hepatitis B CHB patients on antiviral therapy in China.

Methods

A two-round Delphi study via e-mail correspondence was conducted, with a group of 30 Chinese experts. The Delphi questionnaire consisted of 53 indicators identified from a literature review. Experts rated and scored the importance of indicators on a five-point Likert scale. Consensus was considered to be reached if a median score in the top tertile 4-5 and ≥80% of panel ratings in the top tertile 4-5 after Round 2. The included indicators were validated with a group of 106 CHB patients.

Results

The response rates for the first and second rounds were 90.9% n=30 and 86.7% n=26, respectively. Three new indicators were suggested in the first round. 55 indicators were included in the second round after modified. 45 81.8% indicators achieved on the level of consensus, all of which had an inter-quartile range of 1 or below. The final set included 4 domains and 45 indicators which were well accepted and understandable by CHB patients.

Conclusion

This Delphi study produced a set of 45 self-management indicators for CHB patients on antiviral therapy in China. These indicators could be used to measure and monitor the patients’ self-management performance, with the goal of improving the quality of life in this population.